If I Should Wake Before I Die

When I was a small child, my parents taught me a prayer that I believe was part of the vital input that God used to awaken me to His Presence and my accountability to Him.

It’s a simple prayer, yet it contains some powerful truths that were instrumental in shaping my thinking about the unpredictability of life, the inevitability of death and my eventual day of reckoning before God.

The prayer says:

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.^[1]

Fortunately, that prayer wasn’t my only exposure to the revelation of God and the Christian worldview. Our family’s affiliation with a conservative Lutheran church afforded me a good deposit of Biblical truth through what that faith tradition calls “Confirmation”. In Confirmation, I was confronted with the Law of God through Luther’s Small Catechism^[2] where I began to see the basis of my accountability to God. I learned that God is pure and upright and that He expects moral purity in our lives, too. I didn’t enjoy Confirmation class. I didn’t like what I learned. Hearing about God’s hatred of sin didn’t make me feel good. In fact, over the subsequent years of my adolescence, I became increasingly more uncomfortable with the growing sense that I was living an immoral life. Thankfully, God didn’t leave me in despair. He brought into my life other voices who built on those foundational truths and pointed me to the Savior, Jesus Christ. (You can read about my spiritual journey at: https://tinyurl.com/ucv79h4.^[3]

In God’s mercy, He used the conscience-shaping truth of a child’s prayer and subsequent exposure to His Law to goad me from slumber and to help me “wake before I die” so that I might flee from the wrath my sin deserves and find refuge in the Person and work of Christ.

“Shhh, You’re Gonna Wake Him Up!” Recently, I participated in an adult Bible study where two individuals attempted to comfort another struggling soul by asserting that “guilt is never from God”. I’ve spent time with this group, and I’m certain that those dear people meant well. Perhaps they were attempting (albeit very poorly) to voice the core idea of Romans 8:1 “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” My concern that day, and my ongoing concern for many in our world, is that well-meaning, but inarticulate (or worse yet, misguided) people, are urging others to keep on sleeping by offering false comfort when what is needed is assistance in waking up so they might “flee from the wrath to come” and find the forgiveness God has provided for us through Jesus Christ. (Nahum 1:2-3, Matthew 3:7, Romans 1:18-20, Romans 2:5, Ephesians 5:3-6, Revelation 6:12-17)

“Shouldn’t Religion Make Us Feel Good?!” If, at this point, you feel like pushing back against the idea of God’s judgment by emphasizing God’s kindness and grace, you’re not alone. Dr. Everett Piper, the President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, noted that “Our culture has actually taught our kids (and some of us older adults) to be… self-absorbed and narcissistic. Any time their feelings are hurt, they are the victims. Anyone who dares challenge them and, thus, makes them ‘feel bad’ about themselves, is a ‘hater,’ a ‘bigot,’ an ‘oppressor,’ and a ‘victimizer.’’’ ^[4] Piper continues, “That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon (or reading a blog) is called <your> conscience. An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad. It is supposed to make you feel guilty. The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization.”^[5]

In other words, guilt can be a good thing if it motivates someone to take action to prepare to meet with God! In all the noise and distraction of earthly living, please remember that each of us will very soon (probably sooner than we think) be called to answer to God for how we’ve lived.

Friend, are you ready to meet God? If you’re not sure please read my article/ Gospel tract at https://tinyurl.com/wrka4f2 ^[6]

If you’re sure you’re fully awake, how about your family members? Are you assisting the young people in your life to experience a spiritual awakening by intentionally laying a solid foundation of objective truth and Biblical knowledge in their impressionable minds? If you’d like some direction on steps one can take with children, (and possibly invigorate your own faith) allow me to suggest a couple of quality tools.

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Sally Lloyd-Jones has done a great job of telling many important Bible stories in a very clear way and explaining how these narratives point to or are fulfilled in what Jesus did when He came into the world to rescue us! Get a copy and start reading these well-illustrated and profound faith-building stories to your little ones!

The New City Catechism: 52 Questions and Answers for Our Hearts and Minds (Gospel Coalition)

The New City Catechism was prepared by the folks at Redeemer Presbyterian (Pastor Tim Keller). The Westminster Bookstore describes it this way, “Simple, visual, biblical instruction in heavenly citizenship, distilled from the great and historic statements of the faith. Continuing the church’s age-old tradition in a thoughtfully arranged 52-question format, this succinct, interactive catechism equips young and new followers of Christ with the crucial truths of God’s Word. Perfectly suited for one-year memorization plans.”

I’ve used these resources with some of my grandkids and they’ve really enjoyed the songs which we’ve played on my guitar as well as with the free recordings available online and through the App Store for both iPhone and Android phones. ^{[7] [8] [9]}

Friends, if I’ve learned anything about this unpredictable world it’s that time is of the essence! Please don’t wait to do whatever is necessary to prepare to meet God!

If you want to talk further about how to move toward God and what it means to have peace with God, just let me know!

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14 ESV

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…” 2 Corinthians 5:10,11a NASB

1. C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8130077-the-screwtape-letters
2. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Now_I_Lay_Me_Down_to_Sleep ↑
3. http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php#tencommandments ↑
4. https://www.neighbors2nations.org/pastor-johns-journey-and-gods-grace/ ↑
5. https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/august/university-president-to-students-this-is-not-a-day-care ↑
6. ibid ↑
7. https://www.neighbors2nations.org/love-means-caring-enough-to-tell-people-the-truth/ ↑
8. https://thegospelcoalition.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-the-new-city-catechism ↑
9. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/new-city-catechism/id564035762 ↑
10. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crossway.newcitycatechism&hl=en_US ↑

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Dear Family & Friends,

The Bible wisely reminds us that, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 ESV

Nancy and I recently recognized that we have entered a new season of life!

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in late 2019 and until last year was able to manage the symptoms with only mild medication and lots of exercise! But in 2024, I began to have serious problems with one of my knees and haven’t been able to continue my exercise regimen. In recent months, my symptoms have escalated and I’m having trouble sleeping. I’m constantly exhausted and I’m finding it more and more challenging to move and walk normally! While we love living in rural Missouri and have seen God’s blessing on our ministry at Big Creek Church, the undeniable fact is that Parkinson’s Disease seems to be progressing in my body and we feel the need to prepare to put our house on the market and to move closer to family.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and gets worse over time. It is caused by the weakening, damage, and death of nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, difficulty with balance, and impaired movement. The disease can also cause non-movement symptoms like depression, sleep problems, and memory difficulties.”[1]

What’s Next?

On January 16th I shared our situation with the leaders of Big Creek Church and they gave us their blessing to step out of my pastoral role at the church after January 19th. I will preach my last sermon at Big Creek Church on the 19th and then after completing any remaining administrative responsibilities, Nancy and I will give ourselves in earnest to the task of preparing our home to sell! Once we sell our home in Yukon, Missouri, we plan to move to McCall Idaho and build a small dwelling on my daughter and son-in-law’s property. (Lena & Lance Mallow)

 We Value Your Prayers!

As the Lord brings us to your mind, please pray for this transition. There are numerous details and decisions for which we’ll need wisdom and strength. In all of this, our chief concern is to bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father!

“…According to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:20-21 NASB

Sincerely,

John & Nancy Schaeffel

[1] https://search.brave.com/search?q=what+is+Parkinson%27s+disease%3F&source=desktop&summary=1&conversation=7b093df3765c79e92787c5, Accessed 1/18/25

On Christmas Day, 2020, I received an early morning phone call from my Dad informing me that my Mom had died. Her death was expected because eleven years earlier she had suffered a massive stroke which had destroyed her ability to walk, speak or care for herself. For over ten years, my amazing Dad cared for her in their home, devotedly meeting her needs while pushing through his own physical pain. Finally, in exhaustion my Dad decided it was time to place Mom in a care center. He found a good facility in a nearby community and daily drove to the care center to visit the love of his life! Even though Covid-19 visiting restrictions prevented close-proximity interactions, Dad traveled to the care center each day and interacted with Mom by standing outside of her window as she was waiting to receive lunch. Then during a recent hospitalization for a urinary tract infection, it became apparent that Mom’s body was failing. The impact the stroke conspired with the natural aging process and breakdown of an 82-year-old body resulting in a serious swallowing deficit! Not being able to swallow adequately severely limited her hydration and nutrition. Mom’s attending Physician explained that apart from tube-feeding, Mom could not live long in her current condition. Dad was faced with the prospect of making a decision no one wants to have to make: Prolong my loved-one’s life and subject them to more suffering or allow their condition to take their life and release them from their broken body.

Since Mom’s quality of life was so limited by the earlier stroke she had suffered, Dad mercifully decided not to subject Mom to any more life-prolonging interventions and to allow her die.  Consequently, it wasn’t long before Mom’s body began to shut down and our family prepared for her inevitable death.

We knew she would die. Her death was expected. When Dad called me early Christmas day, I grieved Mom’s death but also rejoiced that she was no longer trapped in a dysfunctional, broken body! What I’ve struggled with is not her death, but the fact that she died alone, with no one from our family at her bedside!

We knew she would die…What I’ve struggled with is not her death, but the fact that she died alone, with no one from our family at her bedside!

My training and experience as a pastor and chaplain, coupled with the compassion God has placed in my spirit compels me to, if at all possible, see to it that no one dies alone!

My Mom, though far from being flawless, was a sincere follower of Christ who loved God and cared for people!

If the Bible is true, (and I think it is) and if the testimonies of God’s people are to be trusted, (and I think they can be) then we have strong confidence to believe that God’s grace and supernatural presence was available to His dying child in sufficient measure to comfort her and carry her Home!

In an ideal world, there would be no suffering or death. Or perhaps, if life were “fair” everyone would live to a ripe old age and pass away peacefully in their sleep. But as experience and God’s revelation make so clear, we live in a fallen world where death is universal, and people of all ages lose their lives through natural disasters, violence, diseases, and accidents. Even Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, suffered unjustly,[1] went through extreme emotional and spiritual trauma without adequate social support,[2] and died in a manner so awful that the heightened degree of suffering associated with crucifixion has become an adjective for the worst form of pain! [3]

The Stark Difference Between the Christian & the Non-Christian

While death is the expected experience of all people, the Bible clearly distinguishes between the deaths of Christians and non-Christians. In fact, non-Christians while living are described as being only partially alive; they are organically alive but spiritually dead.[4] The spiritually dead are separated from God, alienated from Him due to sinful rebellion.[5] When the non-Christian’s body dies, their earthly, organic life ends, but their spirit enters eternity where they will be judged by God and be forever separated from the God who they refused to relate to during their earthly journey. [6]

The Christian, though equally deserving of God’s judgment will instead experience God’s love and acceptance. Though equally guilty of failing to meet God’s expressed standards, the Christian at some point acknowledged their failure, and turned from their sin in repentance and placed their trust in Jesus Christ’s death as their only hope of peace with God.[7] God responds to the sincere faith of the repentant sinner by crediting to their account the righteousness of Christ. The Bible says the Christian is “justified” which means to be declared righteous and to be treated as such. God is now free to treat the Christian with compassion instead of judgment because Jesus took the wrath that should be meted out to them. Because of their faith in Christ, they will not be judged! [8]In fact, there no longer remains anything that can separate them from the love of God.[9] That promise of spiritual intimacy with God is ensured by the fact that every Christian, upon receiving God’s forgiveness in Christ, also receives the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God![10] In preparing His disciples for His absence, Jesus said that it was advantageous to them that He leave and send the Spirit who would be with them forever.[11]

The Christian then, by virtue of their relationship to God through Jesus Christ, has access to supernatural resources to comfort and support them in life and in death! Even during a catastrophe like the government’s over-reaction to Covid-19, the Christian can say along with Jesus, “…yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” (John 16:32)

Jesus’ parting affirmation to His followers was, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

If anyone is united with Christ, they can face whatever happens with rock-solid assurance of God’s Presence and Power working in them! “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Seize The Moment!

Since everyone of us is just one heartbeat away from entering eternity, there’s no better time than the present to confirm that you are in a vital relationship to God through Jesus Christ.

Admit to God that you know you’ve failed to love Him and honor His desires. Express to Him your deep longing for forgiveness of your sins and restoration with Him. Ask God to meet you where you are and to guide you in finding peace with Him.

 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)

The first Christians carried that same message to their lost and dying world by proclaiming, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

From that foundation for your faith the New Testament urges you to cry out to God for His salvation: for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” (See Romans 10:9-13)

God wants you to be restored to Himself.

Jesus Christ “….bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

I urge you, before you contract a terminal disease or your body is irreparably damaged in an accident, seek restoration with God!

“Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. 

Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7) 

[1] 1 Peter 2:19-24

[2] Mark 14:27-42, Luke 22:39-46

[3] Isaiah52:13-53:12, Matthew 26:67, Matthew 27:29-30, Mark 15:12-25, (See the definition and etymology of “excruciating”.) https://www.etymonline.com/word/excruciate 

[4] Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 2:13

[5] Romans 1:18-32, Ephesians 4:17-19, Colossians 1:21

[6] Ecclesiastes 12:7, James 2:26; Hebrews 9:27, John 5:28-29, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

[7] Jesus said, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32) From God’s perspective, “there is none righteous” (Romans 3:10-12)

[8] See Romans 3:19-31, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”(Romans 5:1)

[9] Romans 8:1, Romans 8:31-39

What do you do when you feel anxiety building in your life? Pop a pill…seek out an “adult” beverage? Instead of numbing your pain, and shutting down your conscience, why not give your fears and burdens to Someone who can handle them?

The God who created you, and who sent His Son to rescue you, invites you to come to Him at the throne of grace! (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Don’t miss that AMAZING invitation! The most powerful being in the universe has given you an open invitation to connect with Him!

We can draw close to God by being honest with Him about what we are feeling, by admitting our utter unworthiness to approach Him apart from Jesus’ death for our sin, and crying out to Him for forgiveness and mercy!

Through the Bible, God urges us to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8-10)

If God feels distant, take the first step and “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord…” (James 4:10)

Don’t disqualify yourself because of moral failures. Pardon for your sins is available through Jesus Christ! In the Bible God tells us, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”(1 Peter 3:18)

Here’s an AMAZING truth: God wants you to be restored to Himself. Admit your sins, failures and rebel ways. No one is too AWFUL to qualify for the forgiveness of their sins! On the other side of the guilt you feel is a God of mercy and grace! Reach out to Him while you can! I know the reality of what I’ve expressed. Read my story here: https://www.neighbors2nations.org/pastor-johns-journey-and-gods-grace/

If you want to talk or want someone to pray with let me know!

God cares and so do I!

Why Should You Consider Attending the Gospel Conversation Training?

The Gospel Conversation Training is being provided for any follower of Christ who wants to join Christ on His mission of making disciples of all nations. Jesus commands us to bring His Gospel to others and we want to help those who wish to be trained to become proficient in sharing Christ with others in a simple and easy way.

What Will You Receive by Participating in the Gospel Conversation Training?

*You will learn:

1. How to initiate a spiritual conversation with others.
2. How to share your own personal testimony with others.
3. How to share a simple and easy Gospel presentation to others.
4. What to do with those who give their lives over to Christ as their Lord.

This is powerful and practical training! Learn how to live an intentional, missional life that brightly shines the Light of Christ in your part of this spiritually dark world!

Who Will be Leading the Gospel Conversation Training?

Jay Moore, the author of “This Little Light of Mine-A Journey Into Missional Living” will be our trainer. Jay is a consultant, trainer and mentor on Church Planting, Missional Living, Disciple Making Movements, and Church Planting Movements. Jay and his wife, Linda are part of the NoPlaceLeftTucson Network, the developer of The Ordinary Christian and have been in Christian ministry in Southern Baptist churches for more than 30 years.

When and Where Will the Gospel Conversation Training Occur?

We are being hosted by the good people at the Meadows Baptist Church, 3701 W. Beardsley Road, Glendale, AZ 85308 on Saturday, October 6^th from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

What Will the Gospel Conversation Training Cost?

COST: There’s NO ADMISSION CHARGE! We will be taking up a love offering to give to our trainer.

This training is available to all Followers of Christ and Christian churches who sincerely want to join Christ in bringing the powerful mission of God to our community.

*A Sneak Peek at part of the training: Three Circles Gospel Presentation – http://noplaceleft.net/three-circles/

For more information contact John Schaeffel, 623.606.8909, jschaeffel@cox.net

Why me?!

Why did I get pulled over and receive a speeding ticket when so many other drivers were going just as fast as me or faster?!

Why me?!

Why did I develop cancer when others who are less careful about their diets and lifestyle dodged that disease?! Why me?!

One of the fascinating things about language is how the same letters or a phrase, when stressed differently or placed in a different context, can be used to communicate a profoundly different idea.

For instance, the phrase “Why me?!” can also be used to express wonder at one’s good fortune and great opportunity.

Allow me to illustrate:

“Why me?!”

Why was I so fortunate to be born in a family where I was cared for, disciplined and trained to work to support myself?

“Why me?!”

Why am I alive now, at this point in time, with so many life-giving technologies and with access to so much information?

“Why me?!”

Why was I blessed to be born in America where I have the freedom of speech and other Constitutional rights that allow me to live in relative security?

“Why me?!”

Why was I granted access to the Gospel message and allowed to attend churches and training institutes where the Bible was revered for what it is–God’s revelation– and wise teachers taught me to obey what I understood?

Do you see what I’m driving at? Having the right perspective empowers us to think clearly and to ask the right questions which can powerfully enhance our sense of well-being?!

The 103^rd Psalm reminds us that we should take the time to focus on the benefits that God has provided for His people.

 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;  Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” [1]

Your life may not have turned out as you hoped it could, and you may have good cause for discouragement, but if you have heard the Gospel and have come to know and understand the salvation God has made available to us through Jesus Christ, you are incredibly blessed! [2] Are you choosing to focus on God’s blessing in your life and “building yourselves up on your most holy faith”?[3]

In other generations, God’s people knew the power of this proactive, faith-fighting activity and even sang about it!  (Unfortunately, many of our churches have rejected the classic hymns and we are the weaker for it!)  The point is, if you’re discouraged today, you don’t have to stay there! Instead of wallowing in self-pity, you might try listening to and singing along with this great hymn (Count Your Blessings- Classic Hymn) and then start regularly, even daily,  taking time to recount all the ways that the Lord has blessed you!

The New Testament encourages Christians to be “transformed by the renewing of [their] mind”.[4]  That aligns with the maxim: “Change your thinking and you’ll change your life!”  Like no other message, the Gospel has the power to change our attitude and the trajectory of our lives because not only does the Gospel change our thinking, but through the Gospel, we are restored to God and have access to the resurrection life of Christ![5]  Through the Gospel, we are united with Christ to walk in the newness of life! [6] The Gospel reveals that God has acted to rescue us from the judgment our sin against Him deserves by sending His perfect Son to be our substitute![7] Through the Gospel, our sins are not only forgiven but we receive a new standing with God! [8] Because of what Jesus accomplished in dying for our sins, God can declare us righteous and treat us that way! That’s why the Bible says, “There is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”[9]

That brings me to why I’ve written this blog: God created you and me for Himself and through the Gospel of His Son, He invites us to be restored to Himself and to embark on a journey of faith and obedience that will influence others to do the same!

When you know the God of the Gospel, and then obey His command to share the message with others, you’ll experience some of the deepest joy that anyone can have![10]

God wants you to experience the joy of joining Him in His mission to call your family and friends to be part of His eternal Kingdom.

If we can encourage you in your journey, please let us know!

In Christ,

John and Nancy Schaeffel

www.neighbors2nations.org

2 Corinthians 5:20, 21

[1][Psalms 103:1-5  New American Standard Bible

[2] Ephesians 1:3

[3] Jude 1:20, 21

[4] Romans 12:2

[5] Ephesians 1:19,20; 3:20

[6] Romans 1:16; 6:4

[7] John 3:16-18; Romans 3:21-26; 5:8

[8] Romans 3:24; 5:1

[9] Romans 8:1

[10] Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:17; Acts 5:41

I was raised by hard-working parents who provided a middle-class lifestyle but were not spiritually oriented. Thankfully, my maternal grandmother was a Christian and influenced our family by her godly lifestyle. We attended church services around Christmas and Easter as well as a couple of Vacation Bible Schools where I became acquainted with the basic story-line of Christ’s life and death. In my adolescent years my grandmother motivated my parents to require me to go through Lutheran confirmation where I came under conviction for my sin and saw, through the Law of God, that I was incapable of obtaining God’s favor on my own. Nevertheless, I was, at this point, on a worldly trajectory and rebelled against the light of God’s truth pursuing instead fleshly gratification through partying and risky behaviors. God, however, was at work to draw me to himself.

In my senior year of high school events coalesced which God used to tighten his grip on my life. My mother, through a work association and the longstanding influence of her mother, experienced a spiritual awakening/ conversion to Christ. She began to study the Bible and impart her knowledge to me. That same year, several people in my peer group lost their lives through drugs/alcohol and motor-vehicle accidents. Their deaths reinforced to my conscience the need to get right with God. Later that same year, while partying in Florida, I received a comic book style Christian tract , titled “This was Your Life”, that God used to further emphasize His claims on my life.  (Video of This Was Your Life)  I now possessed sufficient knowledge to turn to Christ but I resisted God’s mercy for several more years until I was deeply hurt by a young woman whom I had intended to marry. As our relationship disintegrated, I actively sought God’s mercy and cried out to Him for forgiveness.

During this same season, I encountered Jill who was in a similar place spiritually and we began to seek God through the Scriptures and church attendance. When Jill prepared to leave our hometown to return to college in Madison, WI, I quit my construction job and found a room in Madison and took a job painting houses. Jill and I were married later that year and found spiritual bedrock through the teaching we received at Middle Baptist Church. Dr. Richard “Dick” Sisson and the Middleton Baptist Church’ College and Career Group became our “family”. Pastor “Dick” was a passionate expositor of the Bible and sought to equip the available to share the Gospel. One of my earliest memories as a new believer is participating in the Evangelism course Pastor Dick taught. Prior to the course, I had been sharing God’s word with people I encountered but Dick’s training in evangelism gave me a more organized and persuasive way to communicate what God had done in my life. As I grew through the ministry at Middleton Baptist Church and sought the Lord on my own I was powerfully moved by a sense of personal gratitude[1] to offer my entire being to God for His glory.

We faithfully attended Middleton Baptist Church and took to heart Pastor Dick’s guidance regarding intentionally seeking the Lord through a regular time of personal devotion. My knowledge of and experience with God grew as I practiced the spiritual disciplines of Bible study and prayer. As I sought to the Lord, I felt that He through the Great Commission, was calling me to proclaim His Word to others. As we continued to learn of the ways God was working in the world through the missionaries that M.B.C. supported we too felt strongly attracted to missionary service. In December of 1984 Jill and I and a about ten other college students from M.B.C. traveled to Urbana-Champagne, Illinois to attend the triennial Urbana Missions Conference sponsored by Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. At Urbana we heard challenging messages from men and women with a heart for the lost and also interacted personally with various mission agencies and training institutes and seminaries. In the coming months, in consultation with Pastor Dick, we decided to enroll in the training offered through New Tribes Mission.

Our formative ministry experiences occurred during our three and ½ years of training with New Tribes Mission. In 1985, we stepped out in faith and moved from Madison, WI to Waukesha, WI to attend New Tribes Bible Institute pursuing the developing dream of serving the Lord as foreign missionaries. Though we were less than two years old in the Lord, we had become convinced from the Scriptures that Jesus Christ was the only hope that any one had of finding peace with God for “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”[2] One of our service requirements as students with New Tribes was participation in the weekly evangelism outreach. Small groups of students would disperse into various high-traffic areas in the cities of Waukesha or Milwaukee and prayerfully look for opportunities to share the Gospel with whoever would talk with us. Sometimes we found a receptive audience among the college students in the area of student hangouts, other times we engaged in dialogue individuals we found waiting at bus stops or just walking down the street. This “confrontational” style of evangelism took most of us out of our comfort zones and one could question whether it was culturally relevant. Nevertheless, in spite of the rejection we frequently experienced we also had the opportunity to lead a number of people to faith in Christ. Moreover, we were learning how to think on our feet regarding spiritual issues and honing our one-on-one counseling skills. During that same era, Jill and I became very involved in a small group ministry geared to young married couples through Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, WI. The preaching at Elmbrook under the ministry of Stuart Briscoe was stimulating but the most influential aspect of this experience proved to be the body-life  we encountered in the young couples’ group.

As we attended and served in the small group structure that had been created we began to see the life-transforming influence that a Christ-centered community could have on men and women. Our experiences in this context also became a reference point for doable forms of discipleship among young Christians. From that small group ministry experience we developed relationships that we have maintained for the last twenty years. I’ve seen and am convinced that great things can happen in people’s lives when they commit themselves to Christ-centered relationships and seek to serve God in fellowship with one another.

Even before we were certain of God’s forgiveness and grace made possible through Christ, Jill and I had begun to seek the Lord through personal Bible study. My mother had experienced conversion when I was eighteen years old and when Jill and I married she gave us an Open Bible® with Master Study Outlines covering various theological topics such as “What is God like? “;  “Is the Bible Trustworthy? “; “Who is Jesus Christ?” and other foundational doctrinal issues. As we studied God’s word, we were gaining a Biblically- based understanding of vital spiritual truths. Once we gained an assurance of salvation under Pastor Dick Sisson’s ministry, he reinforced our Bible study routine by influencing us to seek the Lord, daily, through his Word and prayer. It’s been our individual habit ever since to carve out time at the beginning of each day to draw near to God. I follow a Bible reading schedule that takes me through the entire Bible each year. Frequently, I will journal about what God is revealing to me. I also have benefited greatly from memorizing and meditating on Scripture. Our training with New Tribes Mission involved memorizing numerous passages on a variety of themes and some larger blocks of Scripture. Having God’s word available through memory has been a rich resource for prayer, meditation, public ministry and private counseling. I pray daily for my family and for individuals in my sphere of influence who are grappling with difficult life issues. I frequently intercede for government officials, church leaders and for God to bring glory to His Name through His redeemed people in the USA, in countries where persecution is a reality and among the unreached people groups of the world.[3]

I’m inspired by the revelation of the Scriptures that a day is coming when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.[4] This knowledge motivates me to do all in my power to influence those who I can to turn to Christ. [5] The greatest honor in all of Eternity would be to stand in my Lord’s presence and to hear Him declare that I was a “good and faithful servant”. [6]  Eternity is real and each of us will give an account for how we invested our lives. [7]  I’m attempting to live my life with Eternity in view.[8]

My life verse is Hebrews 12:1,2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience<endurance> the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. “

I deeply appreciate the emphasis in these verses on looking beyond the present age to the eternal future that awaits us as we obey Jesus Christ. As we run our respective spiritual races we will be empowered and sustained as we set our sights on our Lord, the author/captain of our salvation and the one who has joyfully and victoriously run the race of faith.

My journey in recent years has included some deep spiritual valleys. My first wife Jill died in April 2009 after a long battle with cancer. God, in His grace, allowed us a generous  season of time  to prepare for her passing. She died with great courage and urged me to continue to pursue the calling God had placed on my life. In October of 2009, I married a delightful woman named Nancy. She and I have been enjoying our life together, and in the summer of 2021 we relocated to the Ozarks where we are building relationships and serving the Lord!

[1] Romans 12:1-2; Titus 2:11-15

[2] Acts 4:12

[3] 1 Timothy 2:1-5

[4] Philippians 2:10,11

[5] 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

[6] Matthew 25:21, 23

[7] I Corinthians 3:13-15

[8] 2 Timothy 4:7,8

While we pray for physical health and healing whenever we encounter sickness, it’s important to recognize that underlying the physical problems we see and experience is a spiritual and moral problem called sin. When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He intentionally sought out people who were aware that their moral choices had created a serious problem between them and God. The ultra-religious of Jesus’ day criticized Him for spending time with “sinners” but Jesus simply replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)

As contemporary followers of Jesus Christ, we take our cues from His leading and look for opportunities to discuss the serious nature of our individual moral choices and the consequences of our personal failure to live up to God’s expectations. While this might not be “polite” conversation and at times creates socially awkward situations, we are compelled by God and His love to speak candidly about these critical subjects.

Suppose you had a potentially life-threatening condition such as a cancerous growth on your nose and you had a neighbor who was a physician. On a chance meeting in your neighborhood you see each other and you talk about the weather,  your jobs, your families and even some of the high-profile news of the day. The growth on your nose is very obvious and because of his medical training, the doctor recognizes that you have a serious problem. But because he doesn’t want to make you feel bad by being confrontational the doctor pretends not to notice your nose and only discusses “comfortable” subjects. In your opinion, would that doctor’s actions toward you be considered loving? If he actually cared about you, would he ignore the signs of disease he could so clearly see? Of course not!

In a similar way, when a follower of Christ tries to discuss the sin problem which has affected each of us, he or she is actually doing one of the most loving and considerate things one person can do for another. By talking about the obvious sin-sickness that each of us faces, and then offering the cure God has made available, the Christian is imitating Christ in a very practical way and obeying His parting command to “Go…and proclaim the gospel”. (Mark 16:15)

At this point, you might be thinking, “I don’t like it when people talk to me about my lifestyle and attitudes. Besides, wouldn’t more unbelievers be attracted to the church if Christians seemed accepting, positive and non-judgmental?” The fact is, many contemporary churches and televangelists take great pains to attract people to their services or programs by carefully sanitizing their language of “negative” words like “sin”, “hell”, and “judgment” so as not to offend their audience. Unfortunately, by changing the content of their message to be more appealing to the unconvinced, these “seeker friendly” churches frequently fail to deliver the “bad news” which the Bible demonstrates must be expressed to enable people to recognize the good news God offers in Christ.
An authentic presentation of the Gospel message must always occur in light of the pure and Holy character of the God who created us and has the exclusive claim on our lives. How tragic to think of those who, in Jesus words, are “on the broad road that leads to destruction” being lulled into complacency by a Man-centered church that no longer warns sinners of God’s judgment or urgently impresses them to escape from the “wrath to come”.(Matthew 7:13; Luke 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:10)

Why discuss subjects like sin and God’s judgment of those who practice it? Because God reveals that His “…eyes are too pure to approve evil, And He cannot look on wickedness with favor.” (Habakkuk 1:13)

While there are many today who speak only of God’s grace and mercy, the prophets of old had a more balanced message: “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty.” (Nahum 1:3)

*Please let this fact sink into your thinking, a day is rapidly approaching when each and every one of us will be held accountable by God for our choices.“…God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

In light of that terrifying and dreadful day, we urge you to prepare now by accepting God’s diagnosis of your condition.

God’s diagnosis of Mankind’s problem:

*You have a deep problem called a sinful heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
When pressed, most people will admit that they have sinned. But those same individuals sometimes downplay their moral failures by comparing themselves to others who they perceive to be more immoral than they are. The problem with that approach is the fact that God is NOT going to compare you to other sinners to determine whether you are accepted by Him. He’s already made clear that, on the basis of His law, you are a sinner and in His purity He must judge you!!!Don’t allow the baseless assurance being offered by false-teachers and Man-centered churches to cause you to foolishly believe that God in “grace” will overlook your sinful behavior.

Good News: God will rescue your from the judgment your sin deserves if you come to Him on His terms by admitting your sin-problem and turn from your rebellion and seek restoration to God through Jesus Christ.

“….God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:17-18, 36)

The Bible warns us that Jesus could return at any time. When He does the world will see the “Lord Jesus…revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Friend, you and I each have a sin problem that’s as plain as the nose on our face. The question is, will you do what God says to deal with that problem?

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”  (Acts 17:30-31)